Health Notes

HEALTH NOTES

April 24, 2005

Medical center's blood bank needs donations urgently

Anne Arundel Medical Center is urgently seeking blood donations to replenish its dwindling supply. While other hospitals purchase blood or use donations from the Red Cross, AAMC depends solely on donations made at the hospital.

The hospital's blood bank is open for donations from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday, 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Thursday and 7:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Friday.

Any healthy adult is eligible to donate.

Appointments: 443-481-4215.

N. Arundel Hospital offers screenings at Arundel Mills

North Arundel Hospital is offering free screenings and exhibits at its Arundel Mills storefront, between Jillian's and Entrance 4:

Adult, Infant and Child CPR, comprehensive CPR course trains for CPR on adult, infant and child victims, including rescue breathing, clearing obstructed airway and one-rescuer CPR. The classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 and 28 in Annapolis; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 28 at Annapolis; a two-evening course will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., May 31 and from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 2 in Edgewater. Cost: $42.

Infant and Child CPR, teaching emergency action principles, rescue breathing, anti-choking procedures and CPR for infants and children from birth to age 8. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14 in Annapolis, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 21 and 28 in Edgewater. Cost: $37.

Infant and Child CPR and First Aid, including infant and child CPR certification, emphasizing first aid for those who work in child-care settings. Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 14 in Annapolis, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 21 and 28 in Edgewater. Cost: $42.

CPR for the Professional Rescuer, an advanced-level course designed for those with a job-related duty - law enforcement officer, lifeguard, health care professional - to act in an emergency situation. Meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Severna Park United Methodist Church, 731 Benfield Blvd., Severna Park. Cost: $45.

Babysitter's Training is an interactive course for ages 11 to 15, teaching skills and confidence to care for children up to primary school age. Topics include interview skills, reacting to an emergency or a sudden illness. Graduates will receive a Babysitter's Carry-All tote, containing first aid supplies, emergency information notepad and a flashlight. Note: Maryland state law requires that anyone younger than 8 be cared for by someone 13 or older. Cost: $65.

All courses are on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance registration with payment is required. Information: 410- 624-2060.

Breast cancer scholarship essays due by May 31

The deadline for receiving essays for the Joan Lauffer Breast Cancer Scholarship Fund is approaching. All college-bound high school seniors who have, or had, a parent with breast cancer are encouraged to apply.

Essay writers must attend public or private school in Anne Arundel County and should write a one- to three-page essay. The essay should explain how cancer has affected the student's family, and how this scholarship will assist in his or her future. The scholarship fund will award up to $1,000 to the qualified participant.

Essays should be e-mailed to lauffer@toad.net by May 31, along with name, age, phone number, high school, and prospective college and major. 410-956-0791.

Hospital offers program on joint replacement

Specialists from Advanced Orthopedics at North Arundel Hospital will offer "Joint School" to provide participants with a free opportunity to learn more about total joint replacement therapy.

The program is being offered at 4 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Courtney Conference Center on the lower level of the Tate Center at North Arundel Hospital. The program explains total joint replacement surgery and gives those who are contemplating such surgery an opportunity to ask questions and receive information on what to expect during preparation and recovery.